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Alver looked at himself in the mirror, dressed up in the white, gold, and green ensemble that his attendees carefully picked and prepared for him. His gaze shifted to the invitation that was on the table, the sight of it made him frown.
This private invitation came from the Golden Tree Casino in Vegas City. In this place where nobilities and high-ranking officials spent time to waste their money, a task was given to Alver by his father. His goal is to attend the three-day auction and opening gala. The Golden Tree Casino is famous for its auctions in the entire continent. They take place on the top floor of the building and are held every February, with only select people able to join.
The items that they had are kept a secret until the auction starts, however Alver had received a tip-off that a certain item will be auctioned here tonight.
Taerang.
A spear that was blessed by the sun god and an heirloom of the Crossman family that they had been searching for decades made its appearance.
Zed Crossman, the king, and his father were contacted by a group of worshipers from the sun god’s temple for a meeting a month ago. A deacon had found the artifact and wanted to personally negotiate with them, and Alver accompanied him that night, standing beside the king as a support. The deacon that they met brought a white-haired priest, a blond mage, and a few knights with him.
They were negotiating the price, and Alver could already tell how greedy the deacon was; his demands became ridiculous the more the king indulged him. At this point he knew that this was going nowhere, he decided to size up the deacon’s companions instead. His gaze caught the attention of the white-haired priest, the conversation between the king and the deacon started to become heated.
'You should be lucky that I hadn't informed the Bishop yet about this, a divine item blessed by the sun god, he would absolutely be delighted to have it. Yet I considered to contact his Majesty first'
Zed Crossman of course did not buy the excuse, they owned the divine item, so why are they purchasing it? It definitely is not right, what a scum of a deacon is this? Just like the rest of his companions, he saw the white haired priest who smiled at him before leaning down and whispering something into the agitated deacon’s ear. Whatever he said calmed the old man down; his grin became wider before he finally ended the meeting.
'Since his Majesty doesn't appreciate my kindness, taerang stays with us for now. I will keep you posted, Your Majesty.’
The negotiation ended just like that, and they were told to wait for his decision since they did not reach a good conclusion. The man said he would follow up with them.
Three days later they received this invitation.
It was clear that the deacon intended to make more money out of this; negotiation with them is not enough. He knew how the royal family wanted this item so much. And if he wanted to bleed them dry, the most tactical thing to do is put it out in auction; after all, not only the Crossman’s are interested in such a relic, especially something that was blessed by a god. No wonder he also did not hand it over to the church yet.
Alver knew that the church of the Sun God would definitely want their hands on this.
Putting it out in auction, not just any auction either. He chose the Golden Tree auction house, where people who likes throwing money all gathered.
Which is why he was sent here by his father to ensure that they will get Taerang back in their family.
Knock. Knock.
“Your Highness, the gala will start soon.”
“I see, I am ready,” he said and carefully slipped on his white mask, decorated with gold and painted with the sun’s rays. It completed his entire ensemble; after all, he had to look the part as well. This place will be full of nobles and important people.
He would not allow himself to be caught lacking.
Alver arrived at the venue, everyone was wearing their masks, the interior was so lavish, and the guests were all dressed to impress, wearing their own special masks to conceal their identity. In this sea of people, it was hard to recognize one another. He handed his invitation to one of the attendants; after he was verified, he made his way inside. The auction will start in the next three hours; the first two hours were spent at the gala.
And so the gala begun.
He already scoped the area, spoke to a few people, and mingled around. It was natural for him to gather connections and information by just a simple small talk. He might have guessed the identity of the few that he spoke with, Alver just prodded a little, asking the right questions, played around with his words, show some smile and information was handed to him so easily.
These people truly are easy to figure out.
Though there are some who seemed to be aloof, just like the black haired guest standing in the corner, a few women approached him yet he seemed bothered by their presence. The poor man couldn't leave as he got cornered, Alver only chuckled wishing that guy some luck.
After all that, he picked up his second glass of wine for tonight and thanked the server who passed by; by now he already remembered who is who, guessed a few identities, he couldn't find anyone interesting enough. He might as well stand here and wait for the auction to start. He agreed with that thought however, his attention was caught by a certain guest standing in the corner of the room. He had never seen him around, which means this person hadn’t joined the crowd. He was wearing a black and gold ensemble with a splash of red to complement that long red hair that was tied in a half ponytail that was secured by a black ribbon.
The red-haired guest reached out to one of the servers for another glass of wine; however, his tray was already empty.
“You can have mine,” Alver offered.
He watched as the man turned to face him, his black mask designed with lace and a feather that was secured by red rubies complimented his rust-colored eyes.
“Oh? ”The red-haired man glanced at his offered glass and raised an elegant brow.
“I haven’t drunk from it, if that’s your concern.”
“Thank you then,” he said and took the glass from his hand. He gave a couple of swirls before drinking from it.
Alver watched all this, and he observed the other man before speaking. “Did you just arrive?” I haven’t noticed you in the crowd.”
“I arrived quite early, actually.” He held his glass and glanced at Alver.
“I see, not a fan of the crowd? ”
A chuckle.
“Well, I prefer my solitude, unlike some people who seem to have mingled with half of the guests already.”
The crown prince blinked before he also chuckled, “Are you pertaining to me?”
“Oh, did the shoe fit? ” he smirks.
Interesting, this person is interesting.
Alver stared at him with interest. He had indeed mingled with most of the guests here, and none of the conversations he had with them caught his attention like this. Most of it was generic small talk, which is boring, but this man seems fun to talk to.
Chuckling, Alver crossed his arms. “I won’t deny that, but it seems that I’ve already caught your attention.”
“It’s not hard when I see you wherever I look, no? I admire your enthusiasm.”
“Well, I am generally friendly.”
“I can tell.” He lifted his glass to emphasize his point.
Alver looked at him again, he could not feel any familiarity with this person. Mask aside, it seems that he hadn’t really met nor talked with him in the past either. “I’m actually just trying to make myself comfortable, it’s my first time attending this auction, after all.”
“It’s my first time being here too.”
“In the Golden Tree Casino or Caro Kingdom? ”
“Both.” He held his glass and took another sip from it.
Alver nodded. “I see. I’ve been to Caro Kingdom quite a few times already, but I haven’t been in Vegas City, particularly this place.”
“Caro Kingdom is quite far from where I live” the man answered.
“I see. I hope your travel didn’t take too long, that would be tiring for sure,” Alver sympathized.
“It’s quite uncomfortable being in the carriage for days, after all.”
“Oh my, how long did it take for you to arrive here then? ”
The red-haired man looked at him, his head tilted before a small smirk made its way to his lips. “It’s quite cute how you are trying to figure out where I’m from with this conversation when you can just ask me directly.”
Alver blinked, he opened his mouth to say something, but the other man only waved his hand.
“You’ve been talking to me while fishing for information, right? ”
“Ah, it seems that I’ve been caught. I just thought it might be uncomfortable for you if I asked directly,” Alver admitted. It seems that there was no point in lying to this guy, but that doesn’t mean he could not twist some of his words.
“How kind of you.”
“If I ask you directly, would you answer me? ”Alver asked, a smile on his face.
The man mirrored the same smile as he shifted to properly face him. “Try asking then.”
“Well then, where are you from? ”
“Eastern Continent”
“Oh… that explains the travel then,” Alver chuckled. “Would you indulge me by answering a few things for me then? ”
“Depends on the question.”
“Would you grace me with the answer of knowing your name?” ”
The man huffed, “Too bold of you, good sir.”
Alver chuckled, “I tried my luck, but I would like to call you something appropriate. Or would you like for me to come up with a nickname?” ”
“What do you have in mind? ”
“Hm… let’s see, Sir Red? Does that sound strange? ”
The red-haired man glanced at his hair and shrugged. “You can also call me Bob if you want.”
“I think I would prefer Sir Red,” Alver replied and chuckled, “Of all the aliases you can give me, you chose Bob?” ”
“That’s the first thing that came to my mind—very common, easy to remember, but hard to trace.”
Alver watched him finish his glass of wine and place it down on the window sill, he chuckled at that answer. He was definitely being careful with disclosing any information about himself; he wasn’t even hiding it from him. There was no subtlety in his words, it was clear as day that he was telling Alver that he doesn’t trust him.
It makes Alver want to know him even more.
“You wound me, Sir Red, you don’t seem to trust me even a little bit? ”Alver smiled; people often said that his smile rivaled the sun itself, warm and inviting that most people fell for it.
“You are too friendly,” was the answer he got, the man wasn’t even fazed by his pleasant smile.
“And you are too mysterious.”
“Huh, did I happen to catch your curiosity? ”Red asked, tilting his head to the side, it was a cute gesture.
Alver stepped a bit closer. There was something about being unrecognizable that brought an exhilarating feeling. Right now this stranger doesn’t know that he was Rowoon’s crown prince, and it gave him the freedom to act as he pleased without eyes constantly observing him.
So, he felt a little bold to approach this man.
“Seems like it; you have quite a charm. It’s making me curious.”
“Curiosity often leads to trouble.” Red did not move from his spot, maintaining eye contact with him.
“I’m thinking if you are worth the trouble.”
The other man blinked before his lips curled into a small smile, and he chuckled, shaking his head. “My, what a glib tongue you have, good sir.”
Alver chuckled as well, for some reason he actually found himself having a little fun here, the weight of his task lightened a little. He glanced at the clock; there were still thirty minutes remaining before the auction officially started.
Suddenly the room was filled with music, a call for the last dance to close the gala was heard. Some of the guests went to the dance floor with their partners, he glanced at the other man before clearing his throat and offered his hand, bending his knee a little to formally invite him into a dance.
“May I?”
The red-haired man stared at his hand, and for a moment Alver thought that he might have made a mistake. Did he read the atmosphere wrong?
“I hope this curiosity of yours won’t get you into trouble,” he said before taking the offered hand.
Alver chuckled, holding his hand. He led him to the dance floor, his gaze never leaving the face that was covered by that black mask as they got into proper position for the dance. Placing his hand on that slender waist as they danced in tune with the music, their steps in perfect sync as they moved across the dance floor.
He found himself mesmerized by the feel of the red-haired man in his arms, the smooth glide of his slender figure under his touch, and the way their bodies almost seamlessly fit together made him smile, and Alver found himself enjoying the moment.
“It’s been a while since I danced, do forgive me if I messed up.”
“You are doing great,” Alver assured him as he twirled the red-haired man onto the dance floor. “Won’t you really tell me your name?
"I told you it's Bob."
"Not that"
“If I tell you my real name, would you tell me yours? ”
A pause.
Red scoffed, “I like a fair deal, good sir.” He shook his head as he moved along with Alver’s every step.
Alver nodded. Of course a fair deal is needed, but he is not willing to risk exposing himself here—well, not yet anyway. “Understandable,” he replied and pulled the red-haired man closer to him, staring at the rust-colored eyes before dipping him as the final note hit.
They stared at each other for a moment, and Alver pulled him back up, his hand remained frozen on his waist as if he didn’t want to let go, but the other man stepped back and completed the dance with a final bow, which Alver also returned.
“Dear guests, thank you for attending Golden Tree’s opening gala. The auction will start soon, you may all proceed to the top floor. Our attendants will be there to guide you all.”
The guests started to move as they left their seats and headed towards the top floor. He, along with Sir Red, started to also walk towards the exit, heading to the top floor. “I wonder what they have in store for us.”
“Golden Tree is well known for its rare auction items; even the administrators have taken a vow of death in front of the priest of the God of Death in order to not leak information,” the red-haired man said.
“They take such risky methods,” he murmured.
“These items were real treasures after all, old relics and rare items that no one had ever seen or owned. Imagine the value of those,” Sir Red said. The way he spoke about it seemed to bring more light to his eyes, the cheerful lilt in his voice as he described these treasures.
“What are you interested in bidding on then? ”Alver asked, now curious of what this man’s taste is.
“I’m not here to bid,” he smiled.
“Oh?”
“I’m a consignor,“ Sir Red said, and Alver’s eyes widened slightly.
This man is truly full of surprises.
“Now I am more curious about what you handed over.”
The other man did not reply for a moment as they arrived on the top floor. “I’m sure it’s something that you might find interesting. Well, then, I shall take my leave, good sir.”
Alver blinked as he watched the other turn away, and before he realized it, he grabbed his wrist. “Where are you seated?”
“Why are you asking?”
Alver cleared his throat before he let go of his wrist. “Well, do you want to join me on the balcony?” The balconies were exclusive rooms sort of like the VIP section, these rooms were only given to special guests, and they are hard to acquire, so by inviting this man, Alver sort of gave away his status.
It was stupid, but...
“The balcony, huh? Sir Red smirked and crossed his arms, thinking for a moment before he nodded. “I would not pass up such an opportunity.”
“Well then, follow me.” He smiled and led the way to the balcony. He nodded at his attendants, who were already outside the door and welcomed him. They opened the door, and the two went inside. A couch was situated nearby the balcony, which overlooks the whole auction room. The guests are on their seats and the grand stage.
Beside the couch is a table where a video recording device was located; a live broadcast and close-up image of the items for the bidders in the balcony and, on the other side, a bottle of wine and some snacks were prepared.
One of his attendees walked and picked up the glass and bottle as he served it to the two. Alver looked at him and waved his hand, ordering him to leave them.
As they stayed in the room, their conversation continued smoothly; their banter and exchange were something that Alver found amusing. It’s been a while since he relaxed like this; they were sitting shoulder to shoulder sharing food and wine as they watched the auction. Sir Red seems to be knowledgeable about some of the items that were being auctioned.
Although he was having fun with this stranger’s company, he still hadn’t forgotten his task, his eyes would glance at the communication device, all ears for the item that he was waiting for.
“Oh, that’s interesting,” Sir Red said beside him when the next item flashed on the video communication device, the white spear laid inside a glass case in full display.
Alver shifted on his seat as he set his glass down.
“I present before you a one-of-a-kind weapon. This spear is said to be a fortified weapon, and this was traced back to be owned by one of the royal families in the western continent.”
There were murmurs in the crowd, but they seemed to be uninterested, which gave Alver some relief. That was until the auctioneer said the next words.
“But what is truly significant about this weapon is this is a divine item blessed by the Sun God.”
Now that made the people interested.
“A divine item to be auctioned? This is interesting,” Sir Red said beside him as he lounged on the couch sipping his wine.
“Now let’s begin with 5 billion counds”
Several numbers were raised as the price also increased; Alver raised his bidding paddle as the auctioneer saw him from above.
“11 billion counds!”
“Oh? So this is what you are interested in?” Sir Red asked.
Alver chuckled, “I actually use a spear, so won’t this be a perfect item for me?” ” he smiled as he glanced down to see the bidding continued.
He continued to raise his paddle as the bidding price increased.
“15 billion counds, going once?”
Alver raised his paddle again as he glanced at the bidders, some had already stopped, and by the end of it, there were only three of them left. A person wearing a white hood was seated at the balcony across from him. He already suspected that they were from the Church of the Sun God he expected that much. However, the other one was at the lower section. A man with long blond hair was sitting elegantly, his paddle was up as he placed a bid once again.
This one seems to be troublesome.
He glanced at his companion, who seemed to be interested in how this bidding was going.
“20 billion counds” the blond man announced, and it made a few people look at him.
The bishop from the other balcony spoke, “25 billion counds!”
“Ho.. This would be the highest bid for tonight,” Sir Red murmured before glancing at Alver. “Are you giving up, good sir? ”
Alver chuckled as he raised his paddle and spoke using the voice amplifier, “22 billion counds” He smirked at his companion.
There was a short pause after he declared that, and he thought that he would get it this time however the blond man raised his paddle: “30 billion counds”
Gasps.
“The hell…” Alver raised his head to peek down at this person and frowned.
“That guy seemed pretty determined too,” Sir Red said as he also peeked down just for them to see the man looking up to them with a small smirk.
“32 billion counds” the bishop announced.
“It’s stupid…”
“What? ” Alver looked at his companion as he heard that comment.
“It’s stupid that you are all bidding for an item that you won’t be able to use.”
Blinking, Alver raised his paddle just to keep up with the bidding, but his attention was towards his companion. “You are saying?”
Sir Red placed his wine glass down. “I believe that spear can only be used by its owner, which I believe belongs to that royal family, so it’s pointless bidding for this.”
This guy really knew a lot of things.
“36 billion counds.” A voice echoed, and Alver looked down to see the last bidder was the bishop. It seems he and the blond guy were bidding on it while he was distracted.
He was about to raise his paddle, but the red-haired man grabbed his wrist, looking at him with those rust-red-colored eyes. “Are you certain you want it?” ”
“36 billion counds!” The auctioneer announced.
Alver blinked as he tried to move his hand, but the other man held his wrist tighter.
“Do you trust me, good sir? ”
“Going once?”
“You don’t need this.”
“Going twice? ”
Alver turned away, tugging his hand away to raise his paddle however the next action his companion did made him pause.
“You’ll regret it.” The red-haired man reached out to hold his cheek, turning his face towards him. Their faces were so close that Alver could feel his breath against his own.
“Sold!”
Fuck.
“You did great, your highness.”
Alver’s eyes widened as he heard those words,. “Who... are you truly? ”
The man chuckled as he let go of his face fingers lingering at his cheek for a moment and looked down from the balcony.
Some attendants were already taking Taerang off the stage ready to be handed over to its new owner.
“I told you already, I’m Bob.”
Scoff.
“So, all this time you already knew who I am? I thought you wanted a fair deal, you knew me so I should know you to right?” Alver said as he looked at him. This guy had been purposely distracting him since the start of the gala, but then again, it was Alver who approached him first and even invited him to dance and join him on his balcony.
He could not understand how that happened, but there was just something about this man that captivated him.
Alver supposed that it could be his fault too.
“I do, it’s not like I have the intention to ask who you are, I just happened to know.” He spoke before glancing down as the auction continued.
“Why did you stop me from bidding Taerang? You know who I am, so I suppose you know that it belongs to my family.”
“I don’t know what you mean, good sir,” the other man replied, forgoing the title he just called him earlier.
Alver could feel the upcoming headache. This cat-and-mouse conversation is driving him nuts. The other doesn’t seem to be hostile, and that slight smirk on his lips is annoying, but it added to his charm, which made him even more frustrated because he is supposed to be upset that he wasn’t able to fulfill the task that was given to him.
And yet here he is playing mind games with a charming stranger!
“This is driving me nuts,” he groaned before he lifted his head. “You—?!”
BOOM!
He immediately pulled the red-haired man close as he covered him with his cape, and he cowered on the couch when a loud explosion shook the building.
Screams erupted in the auction house, and the people started to stand. Chaos started, and Alver tightened his hold on the red-haired man. He slowly lifted his head and blinked. In front of them a silver shield was in place, and a holy light and wings were coming from it. Alver followed the thin thread of light coming from the outstretched hand poking out from his cape.
Alver slowly lifted his cape and looked down to see the man looking unfazed, leaning against his chest since he still held him close.
“Tsk..” He clicked his tongue before dispersing the shield and stood up.
“What the hell is going on!?” ”Alver asked.
He looked down, the attendees were panicking down there, but none seemed to be hurt from the explosion. There seemed to be a massive shield protecting them. In the midst of the chaos there, the blond man that was bidding on Taerang stood still.
It was subtle, but Alver could feel that that guy was the one putting up the shield, despite the black and gold mask, he could tell that he was looking in his direction. No, not to him, but... Alver glanced beside him to see the red-haired man returning the gaze.
They are working together?
His masked companion turned around, heading towards the window.
“Wait! ” Alver chased after him and stopped when the other looked back at him as he climbed up on the windowsill. “Tell me what is going on! ”
“I have no time to chat with you, your highness. Please forgive me for leaving you hanging, but I need to leave. It was a very interesting evening spent with you. Call your knights and be safe,” he said before stepping back and free-falling from the building.
Alver immediately jumped over without hesitation.
The red-haired man's eyes widened as he saw the crown prince jumping after him.
The auction house is located on the top floor of the Golden Tree building, which stood towering over all of Vegas City. Alver tried reaching out for him as they fell. He didn’t know what came over him to suddenly jump from the building chasing after this stranger that was looking at him, who looked confused at first before a small smirk made its way onto his lips.
The fall felt too long, Alver’s only focus is the man before him, yet no matter how much he reached out for him, he could only brush his fingers against the wind.
The masked stranger landed on the ground gracefully, wind gathered at his feet as he stepped down. Alver used his flight magic at the very last minute, landing on one knee. He immediately stood up, ready to make a move. Although he had a great time with him, it still doesn’t change the fact that he might be involved with what’s going on now.
BOOM! BOOM!
Other explosions occurred, this time coming from the ground floor beside them. The fire was illuminating the other man’s feature, he didn’t even flinch and was only looking at him.
“Since you didn’t answer my questions, I need to invite you for a conversation; you have a lot of explaining to do,” Alver said as he approached him, but the other man started to take a few steps back and started to run.
“Wait! ” Alver chased after him towards the garden, squinting as the smoke from the explosion reached them. “Get back! ”
“Stop chasing me!”
“Stop running then!”
Alver could see that the other was slowing down and smirked, this guy is easy to catch. However, before he could close in, he stopped and looked up, taking out his spear and blocking an attack that came from above.
A man stood between them, he was also wearing a mask, a black cape, and an ensemble. It seems that he was also from the gala, Alver had seen him walking around, standing awkwardly at the corner as well surrounded by a few women.
Now that Alver took a closer look at him, he was wielding a sword, and the guy was not even hiding his aura.
A swordmaster.
“Just in time,” the red-haired man said as he gave the swordsman a tap on the shoulder. “Let’s go.”
Alver held his stance, but he knew he wouldn’t stand a chance against the swordmaster. If he goes against him, he might actually die. He watched as the two stepped back, but his gaze remained towards the red-haired man, who gave him a small wave as they slowly disappeared in the smoke.
“Your Highness! One of his retainers called, and Alver looked back at him, a small glare was directed after being called by his title.
The retainer covered his mouth as he approached him along with a few knights.
“Thank goodness you are safe! You weren’t in the room after the explosion happened! ”
“Are you hurt, your—uh... Sir?” One of the knights asked, seeing that he was holding his weapon.
“I’m fine, report to me what happened to the item,” he said as he walked to where the red-haired stranger disappeared.
“No one knew where it was. After Taerang was sold, the explosion happened. It came from the backstage. Some say that it might be a deliberate attack to steal the items.”
Alver frowned as he looked around, there was no sign of them. Now that he could focus on his surroundings, he could hear the screams and chaos that were happening in the building. The voice of his retainer faded into his ears as he looked down and saw something on the ground.
He knelt down and picked up a black mask decorated by a red rhinestone and a feather. It was the mask of the red-haired stranger. That guy purposely left his mask to mock him even further, and Alver chuckled at this thought.
“This is driving me nuts.”
.
.
.
It’s been three weeks since the incident in Vegas City. The news of the bombing at the Golden Tree had already reached the entire western continent. It was such shocking news that someone would dare to target such an establishment, especially with how heavily guarded the Golden Tree was.
Alver, who was sitting on his desk, frowned. In his hand was the mask that was left by that crimson-haired stranger.
“You haven’t found anything about him? ”Alver asked as he looked up from his desk to one of his attendees reporting; this attendee, who was also a dark elf in disguise, shook his head.
“No, we didn’t find any information about the crimson-haired guest that you mentioned, or the sword master either. The blond, however, we were only able to get his name.”
“What’s his name? ”
“Bob Miru”
Alver blinked, and a chuckle left his lips as he shook his head.
That damn name, he should have expected it, honestly.
They have been investigating since that incident, and there were no records or anything traceable about the group. From the reports, a lot of items had been stolen, including Taerang. Just when he already had it, he missed the chance to take it back because of what?
He got distracted?
Because that crimson-haired man captured his interest so much that he failed the task given to him by his father?
Or he could easily blame the bombing for his failure.
Either way, he can’t blame his failure on other people or circumstances; at the end of the day, it was his own fault.
Bang!
The door suddenly opened, and Alver frowned, ready to scold whoever dared to enter his room without knocking; however, when he realized who it was, he immediately stood up and bowed.
“Your Majesty,” he greeted as King Zed Crossman walked inside his study.
Of course, who else would dare to just walk in his office but none other than the king himself?
Zed Crossman glanced at the attendant that was reporting to him earlier, he bowed to the both of them before leaving the room and closing the door behind him. He hasn’t met the king since he returned from Vegas City, so he was still unable to make a proper report.
“I didn’t know you would be back today,” Alver said as he watched his father approach his table.
“I heard about what happened in Vegas City…” He glanced at Alver, checking his features as he looked at him from head to toe. “..Good, you are not injured.”
“Ah, yes, I managed to get away.”
There was an awkward pause for a moment before Alver continued, “I. . I apologize, I failed to bring Taerang back.” He lowered his head after saying this, clenching his fist.
“As expected”
Alver raised his head slightly, he knew his father would be disappointed, but to vocalize it like that made him dig his nails into his palm. “I will make sure to—”
“They did a good job then.”
“Pardon?”
Zed Crossman gestured for him to follow him on the couch as they both sat down. Alver was confused, but he followed and sat down, waiting for further explanation.
“Don’t worry about Taerang, that was already taken care of.”
What?
Alver tried to maintain his composure, but he was confused. What does he mean it was already taken care of? He suddenly remembered what he said earlier.
‘They did a good job then’.
Wait. They?
He’s starting to connect things now, but he could not believe that his father would resort to such a thing just to get it back.
“Did you..”
Zed raised his hand to stop him. “Before you draw out your conclusion, the explosion is not part of it.”
“I see, so I don’t mean to impose, but… ” What exactly happened? ”
Sigh.
“Two months ago, I received a tip from an anonymous person that Taerang had been found, there was no further information after that, and it had been silent, and the next letter I received is from the deacon. It’s quite obvious that they wanted money, for why else would they reach out to us when he can offer it to the Sun God’s church?”
“Indeed,” Alver said, recalling their meeting with the Deacon.
“I thought it was going well until he changed his mind, 20 billion cound seem to be not enough” Zed Crossman scoffed as he crossed his arms. “Receiving the invitation for the Golden Tree auction house, I knew he would try to bleed us out of our money. It’s not like that’s a problem I just dislike the thought of paying a sly bastard for something that we own in the first place.”
Alver nodded, he understood that.
“So, I reached out to someone that could help us get Taerang back.”
“I believe that they had been compensated?”
“Of course, but I would rather throw our money out to someone I know and can do their job well. They didn't ask that much either.” Zed Crossman shrugged. “A golden plaque and a patch of land is not a loss. I’ve already commissioned them before too, they are trustworthy.”
“I suppose, yes,” Alver replied, though obtaining Taerang in a heavily guarded building and only asking for two things seems a little suspicious. “Then the explosion? ”
“Another group”
Alver nodded.
It seems that there is more to this than a regular bombing.
“Taerang will be delivered here next week. I might not be here to meet with them since I need to leave, and if that is the case, I would like you to deal with this.”
“I understand.”
Zed Crossman nodded, after stating the reason for his visit, he stood up and left his study. Now that he was alone, Alver walked back to his table. No wonder his father didn’t really bat an eye that he wasn’t able to bring Taerang back with him since it was already taken care of.
Now he had to wait for this group to deliver Taerang to them.
If it turns out that this group is actually with this red-haired guy, then perhaps he would be able to see him again.
“Let’s see.”
.
.
.
A week later
Knock, knock.
Alver looked up from his papers and to the door. He sighed, setting aside his pen as he fixed his hair. He had been working since this morning and hadn’t been disturbed since then.
“Come in,” he called out and saw the same attendant as two days ago.
“I apologize, your highness. I know you asked not to be disturbed, but, uh… someone wanted to see you today.”
“Huh? Who? I don’t recall having a scheduled meeting today.”
“I know, it’s a sudden visit from the young master of Henituse County.”
“The Henituse county? Why does young Master Basen want to speak with me?” The young master from the Henituse County, he had seen him a few times during banquets, had a small talk with him, but that’s all.
Also, the Henituses usually don’t meddle with the Capital, especially in the Royal Palace. If it is necessary, it’s Count Deruth who personally visits and speaks directly to his father since they were somewhat friends as far as he knew, so this is very strange.
“It’s not young master Basen, it’s the first son, young master Cale Henituse.”
“The first son? Young Master Cale? ”Alver asked, now even more confused.
Why would the first son of the Henituse County suddenly visit? As far as he knew, the young master was a recluse, barely showing himself in public. Some of the rumors said that he had poor health too, that’s why he was the one being sent as a representative.
Alver frowned. Should he meet up with him? It would be considered rude if he doesn’t, but then again, there is no prior schedule set for this meeting, which everyone by now knows is his requirement to set meetings ahead of time.
“What should I say to him, your highness?” ”
“It’s okay, let him in so we can get this over with,” Alver said as he fixed his hair. Perhaps the Count has some important message to relay.
He was fixing his table since it was a little messy due to his non-stop work. He set the papers aside as he heard the door open, and he could hear the footsteps coming in as his attendant announced.
“Young Master Cale is here, Your Highness.”
“Leave us,” Alver said as he picked up his pen. After hearing the door closing, he looked up to finally meet the first son of the Henituse county.
Clang.
The pen he was holding slipped from his fingers the moment he saw that very striking red hair.
“You…” the rest of the words
“Good morning, your highness. I would like to thank you for giving me the opportunity to meet you without prior notice. You are truly a kind and understanding person; such radiance makes my heart full,” Cale greeted. There was a smile on his face as he looked at Alver, clutching his chest quite dramatically.
This guy.
It was him.
Alver just knew it, the way he spoke, that red hair, and, most importantly, that damn smirk.
“Ahem, it was indeed quite a surprise to see the first son of Count Deruth, young Master Cale. It is a pleasure to meet you.” He immediately regained his composure as he approached him and offered his hand for a shake.
Cale took his hand and shook it. They stared at each other for a moment, and it reminded Alver of the time they met each other at the gala. If Cale wanted to play pretend, then Alver could play along with him. “May I know the reason for the sudden visit? I didn’t hear from the Count or anyone from your household at all that you would be visiting. I would have prepared something special. After all, it’s very rare to see the young master outside his territory. Sit down,” he offered as he sat down on the couch and glanced as the door opened and a few servants came in to place some snacks, tea, and wine.
Once they left, Cale reached out for the wine glass. “My apologies for the sudden visit, your highness, but I do have a previous appointment, however his majesty seems to be unavailable, and I was informed to see you instead.”
“Ah, he left yesterday,” Alver replied, his finger twitching slightly. This just confirmed his theory, then. It was indeed Cale Henituse’s group that his father worked with.
“Hm, I have to deliver something, if you don’t mind? ”
“Go ahead.”
Cale nodded as he stood up and walked towards the door. Opening it, a black-haired man wearing a cape walked in; it was the sword master from that night. He was carrying a huge box and placed it down on the table.
“Thank you, Choi Han.” Cale patted his shoulder, and the sword master nodded before leaving the room.
They stared at each other for a moment, and Alver finally dropped the hat first. “It’s really you.”
“I don’t know what you are talking about, your highness im just delivering an item.”
Alver scoffed, “Come on, Sir Red, it’s not like we did not spend such a memorable night?” ”
Cale shook his head before sitting down again, gesturing at the box. “Aren’t you going to inspect it?” ”
The crown prince approached the said box and opened the lid. There inside lay the white spear that his family hadn’t seen for, like, what? A century now? He slowly reached out to it, gently touching it before nodding. “It’s really the real deal.”
“Of course it is.”
“How did you, get his hand on this? It was sold to the bishop from the church of the Sun God."
Cale shrugged. “Let’s just say that there was a mishap when the turnover happened. The bishop could not find his way to the backstage, apparently.”
“You.. Did you take the bishop away? ”
“Oh no, we are not that brutal, your highness.” Cale shook his head. They definitely weren’t brutal, however Choi Han’s hand was another story. “I suppose this concludes our meeting?” ” I shall wait for my reward.” He smiled and slowly stood up.
Alver blinked as he closed the lid of the box, and he immediately approached him. “Wait,” he called out, grabbing his wrist as he stopped him. “Young Master Cale, I believe you owe me some explanation.”
The young master stopped in his tracks as he looked back at him. “About what, your highness?” ”
“Are we really going to keep on dancing around each other? What happened back there? ”Alver asked as he slowly let go of him, “The explosion?"
"Oh, the explosion"
Sigh.
“You won’t make me leave unless I answer? ”
“Yes.”
Cale groaned but sat down instead as he looked up at the crown prince. “The explosion is from an organization that’s been collecting relics, especially divine items. I believe the deacon did not only send those invitations to his majesty and the pope. Or they just chose to strike that day.” He shrugged. "Either way we anticipated their arrival, we just didn't expect the bombs"
“Then that blond bidder? ”Alver asked.
“Who? Eruhaben-nim? “Cale asked as he pondered for a moment, “Ah, no, he was there to make sure everyone was safe, also to spice things up” he added, pertaining to the bidding. “His highness had some fun bidding with him after all.”
“That was on purpose… Ah, this is crazy, you purposely hiked the price of the bid.”
“It all turned out better in the end, though I have to stop you from spending all that money, we can’t let our client lose our reward money.”
Alver had to process that information for a while before another question came into his mind: “Wait, how did you know about the invitation?”
Cale looked at him for a moment. “I told him so.”
“What?”
“What?”
Blinking, Alver raised his hand before looking at the young master. He tried remembering what happened in that meeting with the deacon. Something shifted in his demeanor, he was about to hand over Taerang if it weren’t for that priest who whispered something into his—ah.
“That was you! Oh… this is driving me nuts.”
“I don’t know what you are talking about, your highness, perhaps you need to drink something? “You are looking too pale,” Cale said as he offered a cup of tea, though it was pretty obvious that he knew Alver had connected the pieces.
Alver chuckled. “Don’t tell me you are the one who really found Taerang” he said offhandedly as he reached out for the cup, but the lack of response made him look up. “Wait ... Should I even be surprised at this point? How did you even find it? ”
“It was by accident, I had no idea it belonged to the royal family. Had I known, I would have gone straight to his majesty to present such an important item.”
Lies, lies, this young master is lying through his teeth.
Alver started to put the pieces together, Cale found taerang, sold it to the deacon and the deacon tried selling it to the Crossman, but since he was still too greedy it was not enough for him. The young master is probably the one who convinced him to auction it, send the invitation to the Royal family and the Sun god church, have them bid for it and to make sure the price hike, then add a third person in the bidding.
If it were any other person, they would surely fall for this lie, but Alver knew that look on his face was telling a lot. “Is that so? Then the money the Bishop paid for this auction?"
“I told you didn't I? I was a consignor" he smirked.
Another headache started to brew in his temples, the one who signed taerang in the auction was Cale.
"What happened to the deacon?"
"Does that really matter? What’s important is that taerang is already back to the royal family,” Cale said as he placed his glass of wine down on the table. “And I am here to collect my reward.” He smiled.
Sigh.
This guy, Cale Henituse played them all.
He got his money from selling taerang to the deacon, and God knows what happened to that old man, then he got the bishops payment from the auction and lastly a reward from his father.
This guy is not be underestimated.
Alver walked towards his table with a small sigh to retrieve the said rewards that were already given to him by his father before he left. Pulling the drawers, he could hear Cale’s footsteps approaching him, he looked up to see him standing across the table, and Alver stared at those reddish-brown eyes that caught his attention most of the time from the gala.
Shaking his head, Alver took a box out from his drawer; the Roan Kingdom’s seal was embedded into it. His father had prepared this and handed it to him before leaving, the reward that was for the mystery group that his father worked with, who happen to be the young master of the Henituse territory. Alver couldn’t help but think if the count is even aware of the shady dealings his son is doing.
Probably not.
Which made Alver realize something: his father said that he hasn’t met the man behind this group and usually sends an envoy on his behalf, so why did he suddenly decide to show up now?
“Here you go.”
Cale smiled, his eyes sparkling a little as he held the box, but before he could take it, Alver held onto it, making the young master raise a brow.
“Are you having second thoughts now? ” he asked, still holding the box.
“Why did you suddenly show up? I mean revealing yourself.” Alver slowly let go of the box and watched as the young master held it, lifting the lid and inspecting its contents.
“I intend to introduce myself this time,” Cale said as he smirked, seeing the golden plaque and a few documents rolled into scrolls. He closed the lid. “Also, we had spent quite an unforgettable night. I have a strong feeling you will recognize me if we meet under different circumstances; it’s better to do it first.”
“You really are something else.”
“Oh please, your highness, you flatter me. I do not deserve such praise coming from the sun of our kingdom.”
Alver raised his hand to stop the barrage of compliments; his thoughts drifted back to a certain sentence that Cale said “Unforgettable night indeed.”
They looked at each other for a moment, and for some reason Alver wanted to reach out to him, touch him just like that night, with his hand on Cale’s small back and waist pressed against each other as they danced.
Ah, this is a dangerous territory.
“I’ll take my leave then, your highness,” Cale said as he gave a small bow and turned around, ready to leave.
“Will I see you again, young master Cale? ” The question suddenly came out, and even Alver was a little surprised, but he masked that with his usual smile.
“I don’t really like going outside, but if there are rewards involved, then I might reconsider.”
Chuckling, Alver shook his head. “Rewards, huh? ”
“I don’t like doing something for free.”
“Even for just a brief dinner? ”
“Too much effort to travel”
“You can teleport.”
“hn…”
Alver did not follow up after that, it wasn’t a direct decline, which is good. He had a feeling that if he pressed further, it might annoy the young master more.
“Well then, I shall keep in contact if we need your… services”
“His highness makes it sound like I am doing some shady business,” Cale chuckled.
Are you not?!
Alver wanted to protest, but he maintained the smile on his face. “My apologies, that wasn’t my intention; I should have worded that properly.”
The young master only shrugged at this.
“Well then, until our next endeavor? The crown prince offered his hand for a shake, and Cale reached out with a smile on his face as he shook his hand.
“We shall see.” Cale let go of his hand before his gaze landed on the mask he wore that night lying on the desk.
They both looked at it, and Alver cleared his throat as he tried to subtly push it aside, which made the young master slightly huff as he turned around to leave.
Alver watched him walk away, and as he reached the door, he stopped to glance back at him, that familiar smirk gracing his features. “About that dinner. I’ll think about it.”
Click.
He was gone, just like that.
“What the hell…” Alver murmured as he sat down on his chair in slight disbelief; his gaze landed on the box lying on his coffee table where Taerang was, then it shifted to the mask on his desk. He reached out to it, looking at the black mask adorned with red jewels and a feather, his thumb brushing against the lace.
He said he will think about it.
“That’s not a direct no, interesting.”
Alver smirked as he placed the mask down. This meeting is surely something else. Who would have thought that the mysterious man from that gala is none other than the young master from the Henituse territory?
At least now he didn’t have to imagine the face behind the mask, and if he wanted to see that face again…
He chuckled.
“I should probably find some interesting rewards then.
Alver would very much want to know more about the first son of the Henituse county and if he have to prepare a few rewards to lure him out then that should be easy.
If only he knew how Cale Henituse would drive him nuts.
But that's for his future self to deal with.